Hi all,

So I was just curious to find out. Should my mini have 2 ot 3 screw tail lights?

The car is approximately June 67 and I believe it was in 67 they did the swap from 3 to 2?

Any help would be great, thanks!

James

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I wish I had some sort of witty quote in my signature

I have mid 67 listed but nothing specific. Also mid 67 was the change of the seat design and hydro pipe covers underneath. Not sure if these changes were at the same time or a rolling change over a few months. I will go through my photos and see what I can nut out. What wiring connectors do you have?
The English made 3 screw L647 units required bulleted wire ends and Douglas connectors, whereas the Australian made 2 screw AL136 has Lucas terminals straight out of the bulb holder. This required the loom to have a special plug for the lower stop tail bulb holder and a single right angled connection for the indicator.

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Just went through some photos of MK1 Cooper S's and found the following.
These cars currently have 3 screw tail lights fitted 1633, 1712, 1741, 1784, 1913.
These cars currently have 2 screw taillights fitted 1867, 2132, 2217, 2337, 2374, 2670.
Given that tail lights were changed over the years it still looks like the 2 screws were in by the 2300's in March 1967.

As a starter, this Lucas Australia document says from January 1967. I can't check BMC documents at the moment as I'm still away from home.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

So the wiring harness changed from bullets to female spades when they made the change.
My car which is early 2500 currently has 3 screw tail lights and the rear harness has bullet connectors - that's how it was when I purchased it but it certainly could have been changed.
Based on what is above it should have 2 screw tail lights - learn something every day.

Cheers
Rod

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1967 New British Racing Green Mk1 Cooper S, 1967 Lake Green 1275 MG Midget, 1969 Jet Red / Crystal White Mk2 Cooper S, 1972 Gambier Turquoise Clubman GT (ex police), 1972 Camino Gold Clubman GT, 2009 JCW Challenge Edition, Megane RS265, Clio RS220.

Reading the above I have no doubt that Lucas were supplying the new tail lights in Jan 1967. Whether they were fitted straight away or not would be another thing. If they kept a large stock of older style wiring looms and tail lights to suit then maybe the actual change was later. Lets see what Doug can come up with.

I agree. We need some BMC info on this. It may be in John Sneddon's new book.

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I'm guessing it's most likely my car is meant to have 2 screw lights.

A thing I didn't consider either is the wiring. I had a loom made up to MK2S specs, so the wiring wouldn't fit the 3 screw lights anyway!

One questions regarding 2 screw.. are the screws the same between 2 and 3 screw? Or if not, are the correct ones available? I seem to be able to find sets of the 3 screws, but not the 2.

Cheers
James

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I wish I had some sort of witty quote in my signature

Why not try MKOL?

I did talk to John about this on Saturday, he didn't have any

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I wish I had some sort of witty quote in my signature

Try Anthony Pearson - contact details in this thread.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=91943

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ex-NSW Police 1970 MK II Cooper S
VMCI #43

I have 2 screw lamps in my matic. However if I get any more grief with them I will have no hesitation in buying new 3 hole ones. The Lucas 2 screw lenses are NLA, and the aftermarket ones fade like buggery. I recoloured my old Lucas ones last time.

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DrMini- 1970 wasaMatic 1360, Mk1S crank, 86.6HP (ATW) =~125 @ crank, 45 Dellorto (38 chokes), RE282 sprint cam, 1.5 rockers, 11.0:1 C/R.

I thought 2 screw lamps arrived in 65 with the change to the deluxe/cooper S from the 850/cooper.

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....you just lost him his insurance bonus!

997

My 66 Mini Minor had 2 screw lights when i got it (still got one, had to replace the other with a new 3 screw). It had been in a prang on the LHS though. Not sure if this meant that they replaced both sides or that was how it came from the factory.

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the world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page
66 Mini Minor sponsored by http://www.lifeonthehedge.com.au/ The Dog Harness Specialists
It was a pleasure ausmini. I'll miss all you misfits and reprobates

The change point seems to be part way through 1967. It wasn't any earlier.

Hope The Perfectionists don't pull you up if you go the 3-screw way!
just grateful MKOL was able to supply the nylon nuts for my 2-screw lamps.